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- Tasks: Lead operational strategy and execution for UK banking, ensuring compliance and efficiency.
- Company: Join a dynamic banking organisation focused on innovation and operational excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary package with benefits and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of an executive team driving transformation and making a real impact in banking.
- Qualifications: Requires a degree in Business or Finance and 10 years of leadership experience in banking.
- Other info: Ideal for strategic thinkers passionate about operational resilience and risk management.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Location: United Kingdom
Salary: Competitive Salary Package + Benefits
Job Purpose: We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead the operational strategy and execution for our UK banking operations. As a member of the executive leadership team, the COO will be responsible for overseeing daily operations, ensuring operational resilience, regulatory compliance, and aligning operational initiatives with the strategic goals of the Board and CEO. This role plays a critical part in the First Line of Defence for Operational Risk and Financial Crime prevention, including AML.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic & Operational Leadership
- Translate Board-level strategic direction into operational execution, driving delivery of the Strategic Business Plan.
- Design, implement, and optimise operations strategies, policies, and procedures to enable sustainable business growth.
- Lead business transformation initiatives and continuous improvement to enhance operational efficiency.
- Ensure the organisation’s operations comply with internal policies, regulatory standards, and industry best practices.
- Oversee the firm’s day-to-day operations and systems infrastructure to support scalability and effective risk management.
- Drive the development and execution of the firm’s Operational Resilience Framework, including business continuity and incident response.
- Lead the ongoing improvement of operational risk frameworks, governance, and internal controls across the bank.
- Ensure robust outsourcing and third-party risk management, including due diligence, monitoring, and exit planning.
- Provide executive oversight of end-to-end transaction processing across key business units.
- Liaise with Compliance, Credit Risk, KYC, AML, and other control functions to ensure integrated risk mitigation.
- Develop strong partnerships with critical suppliers to ensure delivery of business-critical services, including resilience testing and incident resolution.
- Lead supplier risk governance, from onboarding to performance review and continuity planning.
- Build and lead high-performing operations teams across the organisation.
- Set and monitor KPIs, ensure professional development, and create a culture focused on performance, compliance, and innovation.
- Promote a culture of risk awareness, operational excellence, and cross-functional collaboration.
- Serve as the executive lead for reporting on operational performance, resilience, and risk to the Board and executive committees.
- Oversee the preparation of operational MI, Board papers, and regulatory reports.
- Ensure governance frameworks are adhered to in all operational matters.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Risk Management, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
- Minimum of 10 years’ leadership experience in banking operations, with at least 5 years at a senior management or COO level.
- Deep knowledge of UK banking regulations, operational risk, and financial crime prevention.
- Proven experience in driving business transformation, operational resilience, and third-party risk oversight.
- Strategic Thinking & Execution
- Leadership & People Management
- Resilience Planning & Incident Management
Contact Detail:
Antal International Network Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer (COO) – UK
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the banking sector, especially those in operational roles. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in operational resilience and risk management.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific regulatory frameworks and compliance standards relevant to UK banking operations. This knowledge will not only enhance your understanding but also demonstrate your commitment to operational excellence during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in leading business transformation initiatives. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've optimised operations and improved efficiency in previous roles, as this is crucial for a COO position.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership style and ability to build high-performing teams. Think of ways to illustrate how you foster a culture of performance, compliance, and innovation, as these qualities are essential for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer (COO) – UK
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in banking operations and leadership roles. Emphasise your achievements in operational strategy, risk management, and compliance to align with the job requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the role and the company. Discuss how your background in operational resilience and business transformation makes you a perfect fit for the COO position.
Highlight Key Achievements: In your application, focus on specific examples of how you've successfully led teams, improved operational efficiency, or managed risk in previous roles. Use metrics where possible to quantify your impact.
Showcase Strategic Thinking: Demonstrate your strategic thinking skills by discussing how you've translated high-level goals into actionable plans in past positions. This will show your capability to align with the Board's vision.
How to prepare for a job interview at Antal International Network
✨Understand the Strategic Vision
Familiarise yourself with the company's strategic goals and how they align with the role of COO. Be prepared to discuss how you can translate these goals into operational execution, showcasing your ability to drive business transformation.
✨Demonstrate Regulatory Knowledge
Given the importance of compliance in this role, brush up on UK banking regulations and operational risk management. Be ready to provide examples of how you've ensured compliance in previous roles, particularly in relation to AML and financial crime prevention.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Highlight your leadership experience, especially in managing high-performing teams. Prepare to discuss specific instances where you've fostered a culture of performance and compliance, and how you've developed KPIs to monitor success.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making under pressure. Think of examples from your past where you've successfully managed operational crises or implemented resilience planning.
